Jefferson City, Missouri – Attorney General Andrew Bailey has issued a Cease-and-Desist Order against Planned Parenthood facilities throughout the state in a major action enforcing Missouri law. According to the Attorney General’s office, chemical abortions—which this directive forbids—are being carried out outside state guidelines.
Attorney General Bailey’s dedication to maintaining Missouri’s legal standards and safeguarding the health and safety of its citizens directs this series of events. The decision was prompted by Planned Parenthood’s own admissions in court of failing to comply with Missouri law, specifically regarding the filing of required complication reports after abortions.
The primary issue of the order is the continuous chemical abortion practice of the organization without an approved complication strategy, which is a Missouri legal requirement. Emphasizing the seriousness of the matter, the Attorney General cited FDA statistics showing that more than 4.5% of women having chemical abortions experience difficulties requiring emergency medical attention.
In response to a first cease and desist notice, Planned Parenthood said there was no evidence they would violate the law again. But the state offered strong proof, including sworn depositions and investigations, showing the company’s consistent legal noncompliance.
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Historical records of noncompliance include the testimony of former Planned Parenthood medical director Dr. David Eisenberg, who admitted that for more than 15 years, mandated complication reports were not submitted.
This was done under the presumption that state laws would not be strictly enforced. The 2018 closing of a Planned Parenthood location in Columbia also represents another major breach. State health inspectors discovered the use of moldy medical equipment, a direct threat to patient safety, which staff admitted to knowing about yet continued to use.
“Planned Parenthood has a documented history of subverting state law, including failure to file complication reports. This cease-and-desist letter ensures that basic health and safety standards are met. Given Planned Parenthood’s history, I will continue to ensure their compliance with state law,” Attorney General Bailey said.
Section 407.095, RSMo, the legislative framework under which this order is enforced, lets the Attorney General act in response to suspected, continuous, or imminent illegal action. Under Missouri law, breaking the cease-and-desist order is considered as a felony charge, so stressing the seriousness of the state’s reaction to noncompliance.
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This order has major ramifications since Planned Parenthood’s activities inside Missouri are now subject to major legal limits. Publicly available, full copies of the Cease-and-Desist Orders delivered to Planned Parenthood Great Plains and Planned Parenthood Great Rivers highlight the state’s legal requirements and position. This decision highlights Missouri’s dedication to legal adherence and public safety as well as represents a turning point in the state’s control of medical operations.
A full copy of the Cease and Desist Order sent to Planned Parenthood Great Plains can be read here.
A full copy of the Cease and Desist Order sent to Planned Parenthood Great Rivers can be read here.
